After decades with Westlife, Jedward, and Boyzone, Louis Walsh has his hearing tested

Dan Buckley

Monday, February 29, 2016

A lifetime of listening to boy bands and their screaming fans has irreparably damaged Louis Walsh’s hearing, the former X Factor judge has revealed.

The Irish music impresario who managed Boyzone, Westlife, and Jedward, is now raising awareness of the importance of regular hearing checks after disclosing he is going deaf.

During The X Factor auditions two years ago, Louis realised he was struggling to hear the acts.

“The audience was so loud and the other judges started making jokes about my hearing and old age. I laughed them off,” said Louis.

“I’ve worked in the music industry since I was 15, and have had the pleasure of listening to some great — and not-so-great — acts over the years.

“My hearing is obviously crucial in my career, so I was a little nervous when I first began to notice that it wasn’t what it used to be.”

The 63-year-old, who has managed some of the Ireland’s most successful pop groups, spoke about his deteriorating hearing following a recent test at Specsavers Audiologists. He has teamed up with the company to launch its Listen Up campaign.

“I was actually quite shocked to hear that I don’t need a hearing aid yet, but having my hearing tested has made me realise just how important it is to have regular hearing checks,” he said.

“People have no problem getting their sight checked, yet for some reason, admitting to having hearing problems is still relatively taboo.

“Although I don’t need to wear a hearing aid now, I know there will come a time when I do, and I have no problem with that whatsoever.

“I know Simon Cowell will really take the mickey out of me for this, but I think after some of the people he’s allowed through on The X Factor he should consider having his hearing tested too! I mean come on — Reggie and Bollie?!”